No Evidence

I was scheduled to visit one of my doctors on a sunny fall afternoon a week or two ago. I had not seen this particular specialist in three years; he was one of the first to confirm that something very bad was going on in my body. I had completed my usual “let’s contemplate what the worst thing is that can happen during this office visit” mental exercise while driving to the office, and settled on — nothing. It should just be a conversation to schedule a not-great-but-not-the-worst-procedure-I’ve-ever-had.

The nurse came in, apologized for the long wait, looked at my chart, and said, “You poor woman. You’re much too young to have gone through all of this.” Thank you, thank you for confirming what I’ve been suspecting for a few years now. I smiled and she put the blood pressure cuff on my arm. She pumped the ball thing at the end of the tube and I realized my heart was pounding.

“Top number is a little high today,” she commented.

“Yes. Usually my blood pressure is pretty good. I guess I’m a little anxious; this is one of the appointments that sort of started the circus three years ago.” She smiled and made her notations in my chart, and then left the room.

The doctor came in and we began to chat. He exuded a friendly, business-like confidence.

“I have to tell you, you look great.” The wheels on his chair squeaked slightly as he turned to the desk.

“Thank you. I believe it is the food and the juicing. I mean, I know there is no guarantee for the future.” I wonder if I’m tossing words into a vacuum. No human has any guarantee for the future physically. He was listening though. I wonder sometimes why more of my doctors aren’t really curious why I’m doing so well. It is by the grace of God, clearly; after all, it is the food He created and gave us that is helping me – but it should not be a secret kept from cancer patients. I lament the chasm between the business of medicine and the art of nutrition and the willpower of people, self included, to be disciplined to do what is best for the body. But let’s give a little credit where credit is also due for the regular treatment I chose to accept. “The more targeted treatment obviously seems to have worked, and I believe the juicing and food are what may keep this under control going forward.”

He smiled. “Ah yes, juicing is healthy, but you really need to watch the sugar with that.” Wait. I meant vegetable juice with a few green apples. “Unfortunately,” he continued, “There is simply no evidence to prove this works to fight cancer.”

I raised my eyebrows with a grin and pointed to my belly. “Right… there is no evidence.”

He folded his arms, looked at me for a moment and then gave me a big smile. We moved on in our cordial conversation and I left with an appointment for the upcoming procedure.

“Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you? Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.” – Psalm 71:19-20

Healthcare and its astronomical costs and safety net is a real “thing”, especially for cancer patients. Our family deductible with regular health insurance was extremely high last year. One PET scan in the new year and a stent replacement and voila, deductible met. Don’t misunderstand, God is in control, and I’m grateful for a safety net, but individuals and families with solid jobs are facing real, hard decisions about how to afford medical care and fulfill their financial responsibilities. Interesting to see what is happening (or not) with healthcare. You may view this as something being forced upon our nation. You may see it as something legitimately helpful being made available to everyone by the government. Either way, the implications are very real: http://nation.foxnews.com/2013/10/31/breaking-docs-show-only-6-people-signed-obamacare-day-1

Speaking of “evidence”, there is a more serious evidence that we tend to agree or disagree on as humans. The proof for a Creator God who is keenly interested and invested in our eternal future. I pulled out a trusty 4Him CD last week and have been listening to their great music and lyrics on the way to work. Here is a song about the evidence and truth of the God who created you and loves you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRIwa3iHvL8

Do you vote? This week we will be given the chance to voice our opinion about casinos expanding in New York in the voting booth. I was listening to talk radio and the proponents for gambling expansion sounded very enthusiastic about the wonderful ways gambling can help our state and solve a number of financial problems. As a tax payer and voter, I do wonder, why do they feel gambling with all of its glamor and proven potential for personal and societal moral destruction should be pushed through so quickly and so extensively? Another proven revenue source – gas drilling – that also needs to be monitored (and is monitored heavily in the states it is helping), has been delayed from helping our workers, our homes, and our business revenues by five years and counting. Why such a different standard for implementation? Here’s an article from an independent candidate for mayor of Syracuse, NY, about gambling expansion. Please go exercise your constitutional rights and vote: http://www.syracuse.com/opinion/index.ssf/2013/10/casino_gambling_in_ny_will_create_more_problems_and_solve_nothing_commentary.html

Lastly, please visit http://www.chloecards.net for unique cards designed for you to encourage cancer patients. Looking for particular wording for a greeting card and can’t find it? Email infoATchloecards.net and they (we) will create a card just for you!

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Disclaimer

Even though I think I have some awesomely encouraging information to share about my personal journey with cancer, remember – the content on this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is highly intended to offer perspective and hope. I also include some affiliate links here on the blog, so if you happen click them and purchase something, I may get a small “thank you” from the seller. It helps me keep the blog up and running! (Sincerely, thank YOU.)